Blog Tales from the LOPE Ranch

LOPE Summer 2019 Internship

LOPE is a nonprofit organization devoted to preparing at-risk racehorses for new careers, while inspiring young people through horsemanship education. We have launched a new summer internship for young adult horsemen and horsewomen who aspire to become professionals in the horse industry.

Description and Duties

35 hours per week (includes weekend duties)*

4-8 weeks during summer*

Assess and restart ex-racehorses under saddle (hard work but worth it)

If interested, assist in nonprofit management duties (this is optional)

Candidate Requirements

Must be age 18 or older

Experience in colt starting and/or restarting ex-racehorses

Riding skills (independent seat, soft hands, use of lateral aids)

Ground work skills

Green horse experience

Understanding of vaquero and/or foundation horsemanship principles

Good work ethic

Energetic, optimistic, reliable and professional

Top consideration will be given to:

Candidates in collegiate equine studies or colt starting programs;

Candidates with experience in vaquero horsemanship; and

Candidates with background in ex-racehorse retraining.

Compensation

Internship may include weekly stipend and/or housing credit depending on experience and qualifications of the candidate.

How to Apply

To be considered, please gather and email to hello [at] lopetx.org:

Resume;

References;

A short video (as link or file under 15MB) that demonstrates your riding and horsemanship skills

The deadline to apply is May 15, 2019.

About LOPE

LOPE helps at-risk racehorses find second careers, while inspiring young people through horsemanship education. We are inspired by the classical horsemanship philosophy practiced by Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt and all who follow in their footsteps. Learn more about our values.

LOPE’s education work includes our ongoing teenage internship program for aspiring young horse professionals as well as our First Step Program for at-risk youth. Students and interns have the opportunity to work with ex-racehorses who have retired after unusually long and successful track careers. Known as Racing Warriors (or “warhorses”), these former track athletes provide exceptional learning opportunities for interns interested in restarting horses under saddle, sports injury rehabilitation techniques and foundation horsemanship in general.

Since 2003, LOPE has helped over 1500 ex-racehorses transition into new careers after the track. We are accredited by the prestigious Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (Lexington, KY) and our work has been featured in national media outlets (New York Times, The Today Show, Oprah Magazine, Cowboys and Indians, to name a few).

The LOPE facility is in Driftwood, TX (a small town in the Texas Hill Country). Our location is convenient to downtown Austin, TX (35 minutes), as well as other popular Texas destinations (San Antonio, Fredericksburg, San Marcos, Marble Falls).

Notes:

* We are open to adjusting the number of weeks/hours to accommodate an ideal candidate’s summer schedule needs between school semesters.

Support LOPE

LOPE is a 501(c)(3) charity and relies solely upon the generous support of our donors to carry out our mission of helping at-risk racehorses find second careers, while inspiring young people through horsemanship education.